The Bear Historic Hotel

The Bear Hotel is a famous historic coaching inn in the heart of Crickhowell, in the Brecon Beacons. Welcoming travellers since 1432 — some 500 years — and full of character, with oak beams, antiques and roaring open fires throughout, this celebrated, family-run and dog-friendly landmark is an ideal base for exploring the national park, with award-winning food to come home to.

A famous coaching inn in Crickhowell

Few inns in Wales are as well loved as the Bear. Dating back to 1432, it wears its history beautifully, with characterful bars and lounges full of oak beams, wooden floors and open fires — wonderfully atmospheric after a day in the hills. Every room is unique, blending period charm with comfort, and the whole place has the warm, easy feel of a proper family-run country inn.

Award-winning food and a warm welcome

The Bear’s restaurant and bars are a destination in their own right, serving an eclectic mix of modern British comfort food, gastro-pub favourites and international dishes. The inn has been named AA Best Pub in Wales and has twice won Best Pub in Britain — a real testament to the quality of its food and hospitality. Dogs are warmly welcomed too, making it a great choice for those travelling with a four-legged friend.

At a glance

• Famous historic coaching inn, welcoming guests since 1432
• Characterful rooms, oak beams, antiques and open fires
• Award-winning restaurant and bars (AA Best Pub in Wales)
• Family-run and dog-friendly
• In the heart of Crickhowell, by the Usk and Table Mountain

Where it is

The Bear stands on the High Street in Crickhowell, one of the loveliest towns in the Brecon Beacons — named Best High Street in Britain in 2018 — with award-winning independent shops, pubs and restaurants, its medieval bridge over the River Usk and the flat-topped Table Mountain rising above. You can browse more places to stay across the area on our Brecon Beacons accommodation page.

Things to do nearby

This is some of the finest walking country in southern Britain. You can walk straight from town up Table Mountain to its ancient hillfort, or follow the River Usk on gentler strolls. The Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains rise close by, with the central peaks of the Brecon Beacons, including Pen y Fan, a little further west. The food-loving market town of Abergavenny is a short drive away, and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal offers lovely level walking and boating nearby.

Who it suits

With its history, atmosphere and superb food, the Bear suits couples, food lovers and walkers who want a characterful, central base in one of the prettiest towns in the Beacons. With dogs welcome and the hills on the doorstep, it is equally good for a relaxed foodie escape as for an active walking break.

Good to know

Being right on Crickhowell’s High Street, the Bear lets you leave the car and enjoy the town on foot, with its shops, pubs and the start of the trails all close by. The restaurant is popular in its own right, so booking a table is wise, especially at weekends. As a much-loved, award-winning inn, rooms are in high demand, so it is well worth booking ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of place is it? A famous historic coaching inn, welcoming guests since 1432.

Is there a restaurant? Yes — an award-winning restaurant and bars.

Are dogs welcome? Yes, the hotel is dog-friendly.

Where is it? In the heart of Crickhowell, in the Brecon Beacons.

What is nearby? Table Mountain, the River Usk, the Sugar Loaf and Abergavenny.

The Bear Hotel is a characterful, award-winning choice for a Brecon Beacons break. Check availability and book your stay using the booking options on this page.